Michael D. Williams has led the Plano, TX-based, not-for-profit hospital chain since its formation in 1996. A national search is underway to find his successor.

The founding president and CEO of Community Hospital Corporation will retire in 2017 after spending the last 20 years leading the organization he helped create.

The Plano, TX-based not-for-profit hospital chain made the announcement on Tuesday, and the company's board of directors has hired executive recruiters Witt/Kieffer to conduct a nationwide search for Williams' replacement.